Review of Journey to Buffalo Island. (Mild spoilers.)

Classic escape the island scenario. Makes the most of its small number of paragraphs: a number of variations possible, definite replay value. A choice of possible escape routes; some exploration is required to gather items needed to use them. Sometimes tongue in cheek; enjoyable. Links work. Recommended.

Solo quest to identify and track down an assassin. Replay value, as there are three paths investigations might follow. An improvement on the core book adventure "The Dauber's Dilemma": (i) better integration of Courtly Rumours into the rest of the adventure; (ii) more variety in the combats, and other skills get more use; (iii) characters less at the mercy of extreme d20 random rolls; (iv) some flavourful non-essential encounters, extra chances to gain points of Favour.

Spoilers follow. Your solo character arrives in Frogton, with a number of almost immediately achievable tasks to perform. Frogton is populated by those waiting for strangers to turn up to do necessary courier work; the town guard are not the brightest, they do not seem to have checked the guard tower when seeking their missing colleague.

Links seem to work. Properties of the magic gemstone (see entry 3) do not seem to be discussed. Minor quibble: the name of the elven sorceress (see 13) seems to have multiple spellings (Talena/Talana).

Solo adventures are challenging to write as the text needs to have accurate links, be concise, yet do the referee's work of conjuring an interesting and vivid place to adventure. Some descriptions head in the right direction, for example: "Gavin, a local Hotblood". But the whole comes across as bland generic fantasy rather than Dragon Warriors. (This does make it easier to convert to other systems.)

Tries to do too much over a small number of entries. But free fan material should not be rated too harshly.

Minor spoilers follow. Enjoyable exploration of a tower with a moon worshipping/werewolf theme; undead are the main opponents. More than just a treasure hunt, as there is a captive to rescue, rival adventurers, and various items with which one can interact. Consistent tone: the seemingly bizarre spectral dance makes sense after later revelations; imaginative magic items which fit the backstory. Treasure might be a touch light, but there are interesting items for which you will need to find the right buyers. Some rousing combats to win.

One aspect that could be improved is the presentation of immediately important information in room keys: possibly bullet points or short boxed text could be used. The adventure does address attempting to enter via upper windows. Maps are clear, and the repeats of individual levels in the text are helpful.

In play, the party scared off the rival group, gained useful information from the Wise Wolf, and triumphed after some tough battles; they recruited Mariya.

Familiar themes, but stylishly done, well crafted. Highly recommended.

Highly imaginative adventure, dripping with swords and sorcery flavour. The Palace itself is a deadly dungeon, but some of the most enjoyable play may come from working out how to enter safely; there are three untrustworthy factions with whom the heroes are likely to have interactions. Intelligent play is encouraged, there are a number of opportunities/resources that might be exploited. A hallmark of these authors is distinct and interesting magic items, and this module does not disappoint. However it really shines in the new monsters: Dusk Stalkers have a touch of the Predator about them, and sample tactics; Guardians of Uyu-Yadmogh are mummy-like creatures that have taken their abilities and avarice into the afterlife; a number of memorable unique creatures. The Palace reeks of antiquity and foul magics that mortals were not meant to know. A smart group will have a translator along, and make a run for it if they strike it rich in treasure and/or magic items.

Some complicated encounters that the referee will need to study before running; clear layout, easy to read text; helpful maps, including overviews and player versions; good use of tables; flavourful art.

Highly recommended, and available in DCC, LL or OSE versions. Choose your favourite and give it a play!

First part of an epic rescue mission: a series of encounters in a desert behind enemy lines. The heroes are ambushed by variant monsters in a sandstorm in scenario one; the second may be the most innovative, the party must discover the true name of a Djinn before they can defeat it; more emphasis on horror in the next encounter, undead to battle, bodies and skulls to find, and a captive to rescue, in a leaning tower; the final scenario has the most tactical decisions, how to split your forces, attack at night or during the day, as well as a formidable mutant to battle.

Welcome variation in the mission set ups and opponents to be faced. There is a mechanic for hunger/thirst penalties due to desert travel, and the best chance of avoiding these is to keep your camels (and handler) alive. Having overarching considerations beyond individual scenarios makes the overall mission more coherent. One omission: no experience listing for the gnoll shaman, warden, or guard dog in scenario 4.

In play, the heroes won all scenarios, but the oasis encounter would have been close if the Djinn had not rolled poorly, and a companion was lost to the skeletal knights in the tower. The toughest opponent was the Humpback in the final scenario: it killed a companion before falling to a wizard.

A strong start to The Rescue. Highly recommended.

Spoiler light read through review, more may be added after play.

Interesting mix of intrigue and dungeon crawling in a distinctive city. The unique features of the city and plots in motion are concisely described. Probably best described as a framework, as the referee will need to do a little work for this adventure to achieve its undoubted potential. Some extra supporting material (which might not get used) would be welcome, for example details of: (i) how the abduction of the wife took place, and any clues investigation might yield; (ii) an encounter with an information broker; (iii) the waking of a certain figure, and the devastation that follows.

An observation and a suggestion: (i) the two riddles in the Hall of Madness, area 8, are very close to ones posed in the Hobbit; (ii) plenty of playtesters have been credited, but it would he helpful to have details of what happened (possibly in an appendix).

The ruins of a Roman noble villa and surrounds, now inhabited by cavemen raiders, are described in a bonus adventure at the end, The Valley of the Skull. Some evocative descriptions in this one.

In the hands of a skilled referee, this could be a memorable adventure. Recommended.

An extortionist is threatening your uncle's inn. Various strategies are possible, including: hiring help; buying items; taking the fight directly to the enemy; attempting to make a run for it. Considerable replay value.

Fun solo (with some comedic elements). In play, direct action worked surprisingly well; hiring help led to some exciting battles, with the hero just prevailing.

Recommended.

Lively solo adventure. The background information is given economically, and then you are plunged into a haunted wood scenario full of familiar elements such as headless horsemen, werewolves, spirits and zombies, but mixed up in a refreshing way. Plenty of replay value; one play with a stronger character capable of defeating the horseman in combat would be entertaining. Links seem to work.

Recommended.

Mission where the company is (accidentally) ambushed, and then has a chance to ambush an enemy wagon train in return. Heroes have an opportunity to gain an animal companion in the latter scenario, and there are other potential beneficial finds.

Missing from the experience table for scenario 1: +3XP for any boar killed by the heroes.

In play, the first attack seems dangerous as the company is disorganised at the start, and casualties were taken; the wagon ambush can be carefully planned, with remarkable success on one occasion: no losses, civilians successfully rescued, spellbook found, tiger befriended, and all but one wagon opened, none escaping.

An expanded bestiary of animal companions is included.

A solid adventure, perhaps lacking the wow factor of some previous scenarios, but enjoyable nevertheless. Recommended.

Solo adventure: an initial quest to hunt down bandits; a woodland area to explore, with small pieces of the overall map revealed as you go; a mystery with which you will eventually interact. The possibility of rerolls via adventure points is a good idea, as a single low level character can be fragile; I would recommend a 2nd level ranger, not only for general toughness, but there are extra clues to be found by those who can track; a 2nd level magic-user with sleep spells might also fare well.

Some suggested corrections for this version: Area 0: title "ALTAR"; Area S: first option should link to Y; Entry W4: damage should be different depending on your skill check, say 2d4 for failure; Area X: X6 label is repeated, suggest "Challenge the Fog" is labelled X7, X7 changed to X9, and links updated accordingly; Area CC: fourth option "enter opulent tent" should link to CC7; Entry EE1: second sentence should begin "If you have not found...."; Entry EE9: missing title "EE9 Give up the Map"; Area GG: in entries GG12, GG14 and GG15, the final option of proceeding East should link to EE.

The structure of the scenario allows you to recover from typing errors (if necessary consulting the master map).

Top class module, very likely the best D+D solo adventure ever written. Would be relatively easy to convert to other systems (such as other OSR games, D+D 5, WFRP, Runequest). Highly recommended.

Spectacular first scenario, with a touch of Indiana Jones/Jackson's Moria as the heroes try to battle foes and escape as the floor crumbles, with a drop into a lake of fire beckoning. A lockpicker is required, and the ability to fly is a considerable asset. The second "find the exit door" mission is easier and less innovative, but is enlivened by the (probable) appearance of the Ogre Gorbin, who can be recruited.

Much can go wrong in the first scenario and that is what happened in both plays as several heroes took the fiery plunge. Comfortable success in the second mission, although in the second play one companion was pulverised by the skeletal ogre whilst clutched by ghoulish claws. Bad times for Gorbin: not met by the first group; slain by the second.

A punishing gauntlet, a good scenario to use for a squad trapped behind enemy lines.

Highly recommended.

Quest to stop a blight spreading across a region. Some spoilers follow. Ample clues regarding what to do, although the vital role of herbs to enable the druid to brew potions is not apparent at first. The corrupted creature is tough to defeat without magical aid. Satisfying mechanic for time elapsed during travel and other activities. Definite replay value as certain encounters are only triggered by random rolls; it will take a couple of plays to work out an optimal strategy.

Some possible improvements: entry 44 should direct to 40 after resolution; on reaching 58, gain the codeword Offering; in 84, it would be better if a codeword is given if the shrine is repaired (so you cannot benefit from repeatedly restoring it).

An enjoyable solo; recommended. In play, succeeded at the second attempt.

Spoilers follow.

Top class module which shows it is possible to have epic adventures at low levels. A sequel to UK2 The Sentinel, although an alternative start is provided. Various elements of gameplay are skilfully interwoven: dungeon-crawling, puzzle-solving, roleplay and negotiation, strategic use of defences, and desperate combat are mixed in a very satisfying way. Making use of the Sentinel's powers, the PCs gain special access to the Keep, and if they listen carefully to the artifact and avoid combat against the (somewhat drunken) garrison until as high up as possible, should take it. Then comes the jaw-dropping twist of having to defend what they have just captured from a second stronger force. Having beaten off a first assault, negotiations begin, and the PCs have to solve a puzzle under time pressure, with a greater attack threatened. The action climaxes with a rousing battle against the Gauntlet.

Some may not like the inclusion of a number of Fiend Folio monsters; however screaming devilkins are bound to be fun to play. Some pretty maps. A triumphant party will have gold and glory.

Highly recommended.

Solo treasure hunt inspired by the dungeons at the start of Raiders of the Lost Ark and the end of Last Crusade. Many traps to avoid, and much ancient lore to translate; a magic item which helps with the hieroglyphs is easily found. Some tactical decisions to make; many ability checks required. Several nods to the movies, for example having just enough time to pick up your hat before a doorway is blocked. A linear gauntlet, but some replay value as you can retreat from the entrance, walk around and find Satipo: he is an interesting ally. Links seem to work. I would replace the last line in entry 79 with "If you look elsewhere, turn to 81", to avoid repeating an action already taken. Recommended.